1. Prenatal Care
Unit 2
Chapter 9

2. Bell Ringer February 28th, 2011
What are some questions you would have or think that someone should ask their doctor when they are pregnant?

3. Early signs of pregnancy
Missed period
Mild ache in abdomen
Fatigue
Frequently going to the bathroom
Tenderness in breasts
Nausea
Can take a Pregnancy test

4. Prenatal Medical Care Prenatal care: Health Care Providers
Health care during pregnancy
Essential for both the health of the mother and the child
Health Care Providers
Primary care physician
Obstetrician
Specializes in pregnancy and delivery
Certified nurse-midwife
Trained to care for women with low risk pregnancies
Offer the option of home birth

5. Prenatal Examinations
First visit
Confirms pregnancy
Height, weight, and blood pressure measured
Questions about health habits and medical history
Urine test
Check condition of kidney which carry a heavier burden during pregnancy
Blood test
Check for anemia
Caused by lack of iron, which results in poor appetite
Identify blood type
Complete medical exam
Pap test and internal exam
Urine sample to test for any health conditions

6. Rh factor A protein found in the blood of some people Positive
Has the protein
Negative
If mother is negative and baby is positive problems can occur
Mothers antibodies work against the babies blood cells
Usually does not affect first pregnancy
Two injections are given to prevent problems in future pregnancies

7. Regular Check Ups Monthly for the first 28 weeks
Every two weeks from 28 to 36 week
During the last month weekly

8. Calculating due date
Calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period
Due date is only an estimate
38-42 weeks
Only 4% of women give birth on their due dates

9. Possible Complications
Preeclampsia
5 to 10% of women
High blood pressure, protein in the urine, and fluid retention
Can keep the placenta from receiving enough blood
Eclampsia
Cause seizures and permanently damage the mother’s health
Signs
Sudden weight gain, swollen hands and face, blurred vision, severe headache

10. Possible Complications
Gestational Diabetes
During pregnancy causes poor processing of sugars in a person's body. Can lead to having a very large baby.
3% of pregnant women
2 or 3 trimester
Detected by a routine glucose screening
Follow a diet an exercise plan
Usually disappears after baby born, but mother can develop lifelong diabetes

11. Discomforts of pregnancy
Nausea
Snacking on soda crackers and eating smaller meals
Sleepiness
Heartburn
Shortness of breath
Varicose veins
Rest with legs and feet elevated
Muscle cramps
Calcium
Lower back pain
Exercises

12. Assignment
Chapter 5 worksheet
Page 42 in students workbook